Terry Butcher believes Manny Fernandez can overcome criticism and raise his performance level at Rangers.
The defender has played regularly for Derek McInnes this season, although some of his displays have not met expectations.
Fernandez became a regular under Danny Rohl after a slow start following his move from Peterborough United last summer. His form during the second half of the season led to international recognition with Nigeria.
His place in the Rangers team could now face pressure, with Ben Godfrey seeking a return alongside Olwethu Makhanya. Fernandez has also been criticised by some supporters.
Butcher believes McInnes can help the defender recover the form he showed during his first season in Glasgow. “Look at Mark Hateley when he first came to the club,” he said.
“He had a very difficult few months too and a lot of people were saying it was a waste of money.
"So when someone like Mark Hateley with that sort of strength of character struggles, it shows it can happen to anyone.”
The former England defender said Fernandez now understood more about the demands of playing for Rangers. “It will be a big test of character for Manny, because he’ll now understand a little bit more of what's expected of him at Rangers.
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"But you've got to carry that all through the season. So he’s got another eight, nine months that he’s got to hit those standards.”
Butcher added: “I'm sure he will get better. He's got the attributes and it's just the players around him that he needs possibly help from, some support.”
He also backed McInnes to provide guidance through individual work and management of the player. “But he's got a good manager who is top when it comes to one-on-one leadership and man management, so I wouldn't have any worries about that.
"It will happen.”
Fernandez has previously said he sees his future at Rangers. The defender’s next run of matches may be important as McInnes considers his options at the back.
Butcher said playing for Rangers required a particular approach because of the club’s status and history. “The thing is though, you’ve got to find that temperament.
"To play for Rangers, you must have the right temperament anyway, because you're up there with the big boys and you're treading on history every step that you take on that football pitch.”
He remains confident Fernandez can respond to the situation and show the parts of his game that brought him attention.
“So I've got every confidence that he'll do it. At six foot four, everybody sort of says, well, he can't run, he can't do this, he can't do that, but it's what he can do, and he's got to really make sure that that comes out even more.”
